Solomon understood his role as David’s successor (1 Kings 3:7). The elderly King David advised Solomon to follow all of God's laws from Moses to "prosper in all you do and wherever you turn" (2:3). Solomon's faithfulness would fulfill God's promises to David (1 Kings 2:4; see 2 Samuel 7:5–16). Early in his rule, he intentionally showed his father's love and faithfulness to God (1 Kings 3:3). He saw that God had kept his promises to David (8:23–26).
Several times during Solomon’s rule, God communicated the permanent nature of his covenant (special agreement) with David (1 Kings 3:14; 9:4–5; 11:38). God judged Solomon and later kings based on their faithfulness to that covenant compared to David (11:12–13; 14:8; 15:3–5, 11). God’s approval and blessings or disapproval and judgment depended on whether people obeyed or violated his law (see Deuteronomy 28).
During the time of the kings, God condemned the people of Israel for intentionally rejecting the Lord's written rules in the law and those spoken by God’s prophets (2 Kings 17:13–17). Their rejection of God led to judgment (2 Kings 17:18–23; 21:11–15).
How God dealt with the kings of Israel serves as an example for those in a covenant with God through Jesus. Today, God's people must love Jesus and follow his commandments (John 14:21). They must remain faithful in all things (Matthew 25:21; Luke 16:10–12; 2 Timothy 3:14; 4:7). Those who follow David's example of faithfulness will receive God's praise (see Acts 13:22). Those who confess the name of Jesus, David's heir, and are devoted to God and his word will try to live pure and pleasing lives for God (Acts 13:32–37; Hebrews 13:20–21). They know they will receive many good gifts from God that will last forever (2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10; compare Galatians 5:19–21).
Passages for Further Study
2 Samuel 7:5–17; 1 Kings 2:2–4; 3:3–15; 8:22–26; 9:1–9; 11:1–13, 29–39; 14:7–16; 15:1–5, 11; 2 Kings 17:13–23; 21:11–15; Acts 13:21–23